Ex-Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes Alexandre Lacazette should not be handed a new deal by the Gunners, no matter how well he performs in the second half of the season.
The Frenchman’s contract expires in June, but Merson thinks that his former club should stick to their guns and allow the 30-year-old to leave on a free transfer:
“If Alexandre Lacazette goes and gets 10 goals before the end of the season, they can’t get lazy and just give him a new deal worth £250,000-a-week, thinking it might be his season next season. However, for me, Lacazette has had his time at Arsenal. Whatever he does between now and the end of the season, he’s had his chance at the Emirates Stadium.”
Most fans on Twitter agree with Merson’s comments on Lacazette with many feeling that the forward’s time at the Emirate has come to an end:
There are alternatives out there, and cheaper. Time to say goodbye!
— Sean (@Sean47238395) February 8, 2022
Dont normaly agree with paul but he is spot on here
— RedAdz (@redadz90) February 8, 2022
Facts . We need to get a proper striker .
— Lupupa (@lupupamwiche) February 8, 2022
Definitly agree! Even if he plays brutally good it’s not worth a big contract. We have way to many bad examples of those contracts.
— L (@Rams_dale) February 8, 2022
I dont know why this even needs to be a conversation. Laca has never been the level of player Auba was to earn that contract. I appreciate that Laca always puts in a shift when he plays but there’s a big difference between him and the top 20 strikers in the world
— Kilian (@kiliandakov) February 8, 2022
He’s done well for us so but I think it’s time to go ❤️🔥
— 𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐫 (🍯) (@roryselley) February 8, 2022
100% in agreement.
— Saint Collins (@AluyoCollins) February 8, 2022
He’s bang on as usual!
— Simon Morris (@simon29367220) February 8, 2022
For once I agree with this guy
— Niro (@pixel_savant) February 8, 2022
It should be pointed out that Lacazette is not thought to be holding out for a sizeable wage as Merson is suggesting. It is more to do with the length of the contract. Arsenal are not willing to give the player a long-term extension and that has led to a stalemate in negotiations.
With Lacazette having scored just five goals in all competitions this campaign, it does seem as though the summer is the right time to part ways.
